Free festival to coincide with women's Tour of Britain finish in Blackpool
Blackpool will host the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival next month as the elite women's race finishes its second stage in the town. The free event, aimed at promoting cycling and healthy living, will run on Thursday 20 August outside the Solaris Centre at the stage finish.
Councillors and race organisers say the festival is timed to allow families and residents to enjoy activities before watching the professional riders arrive. The festival opens at 11:00 and closes at 14:00, giving the public a window to take part in the community programme and then view the race finish.
"We're delighted to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women back to Blackpool in 2026. With our proud cycling heritage, the race is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the town, support local businesses and reinforce Blackpool’s reputation for hosting world-class sporting events."
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes to take full part in the festival activities. Organisers emphasise the event is intended to be inclusive, showcasing cycling as an accessible activity for all ages and backgrounds.
- Event: Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival
- Date: Thursday 20 August 2026
- Time: 11:00–14:00
- Location: Outside the Solaris Centre, Blackpool (stage finish)
Race organisers say the family festival is part of a broader programme that pairs elite competition with community engagement. A representative from Lloyds noted the event seeks to inspire people to take up cycling and to make the sport more accessible within host towns.
"We believe cycling should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or experience. That’s why the Lloyds Tour of Britain is about more than elite competition - it’s about inspiring more people to get involved and creating opportunities for everyone."
The festival follows a similar community-focused event held in Glasgow during the 2025 women’s Tour of Britain stage. Blackpool Council sees the occasion as an opportunity both to promote healthy lifestyles locally and to spotlight the town for arriving spectators and the television audience.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday 20 August 2026 |
| Time | 11:00–14:00 |
| Venue | Outside Solaris Centre (stage finish), Blackpool |
Residents planning to attend are advised to allow extra time around the stage finish area on the day due to road closures and spectator activity linked to the Tour of Britain stage. Local businesses and community groups will be involved as organisers aim to create a welcome for both participants and visitors.
